Bottle-Feeding A Newborn Calf: How Often Should You Feed?

Bottle-feeding a calf is a great way to start your own herd and can be extremely rewarding. It is, however, a big commitment as it requires a rigorous feeding schedule to ensure the calf gets all the nutrients it needs. Newborn calves that have been orphaned or separated from their mothers must receive colostrum as they have little defence against diseases. This liquid gold, as it is sometimes referred to, is usually only available from the first milking of a cow after calving but can also be purchased commercially. After the initial colostrum feeding, calves should be fed milk or milk replacer two to three times a day.

Calves need colostrum in the first few hours after birth

It is recommended that calves receive about two quarts of colostrum (or at least 5% of their body weight) within the first four hours of birth, and one gallon within 12 hours. The sooner a calf receives colostrum, the better, as their intestines can only absorb antibodies intact within the first 24 hours of life. After this time, the calf's ability to absorb antibodies from colostrum decreases, and the passive transfer process ends.

The quality of colostrum is also important. Good quality colostrum should have an IgG concentration above 50 grams/Liter (g/L). Pasteurization can help reduce bacterial counts in colostrum, but it also destroys a significant portion of the colostrum's white blood cells. Proper storage of colostrum is crucial, as freezing or refrigerating it promptly prevents bacterial growth.

If a calf is unable to suckle from its mother, it may be necessary to feed it colostrum using a bottle. This process is called bottle-feeding and requires specific tools and sanitation practices to ensure the health and safety of the calf.

Bottle-fed calves only need 2-3 feedings a day

Bottle-fed calves only require 2-3 feedings a day, which is far more manageable than the 7-10 feedings a day that a calf nursing from its mother would need. This is because the amount of milk in a bottle is typically larger than the amount a calf would get from its mother in one feed.

It's important to stick to a feeding schedule for bottle-fed calves, as they often don't know when to stop eating and can easily be overfed. Overfeeding can be dangerous and even deadly for a calf, leading to scours (a type of cattle diarrhoea) which can cause dehydration, lethargy, low body temperature, and even death. It's also expensive, so it's best avoided.

To avoid overfeeding, make sure you're giving your calf the right amount of milk replacer by following the instructions on the packaging. The amount of milk replacer to use per feeding may vary from brand to brand. It's also important to keep to a routine and feed your calf at the same times each day.

If the weather is particularly cold or your calf isn't gaining weight, you may need to increase the number of feedings to three per day. You should also add an extra bottle if your calf begins to lose weight.

Overfeeding can cause calf scours (diarrhoea)

Bottle-fed calves are at risk of overfeeding because they often don't know when to stop eating. Overfeeding can cause calf scours, a type of cattle diarrhoea that can be dangerous and even deadly. Calf scours can cause dehydration, lethargy, low body temperature, and, if left untreated, death. Therefore, it is imperative to stick to a feeding schedule and monitor the calf's health.

Calf scours can be treated with an electrolyte mix, but it is important to act quickly. It is recommended to select an isotonic electrolyte for the best results. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor the calf for extremely loose, discoloured, or bloody stool, as these can be signs of scours. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to call a veterinarian right away.

To prevent overfeeding, it is important to stick to a consistent feeding schedule and measure the amount of milk replacer carefully. It is also helpful to watch for signs that the calf may be looking for comfort rather than more food, such as sucking. In this case, a pacifier designed for calves can be offered.

If a calf does develop scours, it is important to keep them hydrated and provide electrolyte solutions. It may also be helpful to cut back on the amount of milk replacer and increase electrolytes, but it is important to consult a veterinarian before making any drastic changes to the calf's diet. Keeping the calf and its living area clean can also help prevent scours from worsening or returning.

Overall, by being vigilant and providing proper care, bottle-fed calves can grow up to be healthy, strong, and happy adults.

Calves should be weaned when they are eating solid food

Calves should be fed routinely and regularly, with young calves drinking between 7 to 10 times a day when nursing from their mothers. Bottle-fed calves, on the other hand, only require 2 to 3 feedings a day. It is important to develop a feeding schedule and stick to it, making any changes to their diet gradually over the course of a week. Overfeeding can be dangerous and even deadly for a calf, leading to scours, a type of cattle diarrhoea that causes dehydration, lethargy, low body temperature, and eventually, death.

When it comes to weaning, it is important to ensure that the calf's rumen is ready to transition from milk to solid food. Rumen development begins when calves start eating solid feeds, and it takes time for the bacteria that colonize the rumen to develop. For early weaning, calves need to begin eating some grain by 2 weeks of age to allow for sufficient rumen development before weaning at 5 or 6 weeks of age. A successful transition from milk to solid food requires proper rumen development, and failure to prepare the rumen can stall calf growth and put calves at greater risk for illness due to nutritional stress.

The timing of weaning depends on individual circumstances, but a common time to wean calves is around 6-7 months of age. However, some calves can be weaned as early as 60-90 days, and others may be weaned as old as 10 months. The key criterion for early weaning should be cow condition, with calves ideally reaching at least 12 weeks of age or around 100 kg live weight before weaning. By this age, they require less protein, and they are used to grazing or eating other foods.

In summary, calves should be weaned when they are eating solid food, and this process should be gradual to ensure the rumen is ready and to reduce stress on the calf.

Keep the calf's environment clean to prevent disease

Keeping a Newborn Calf's Environment Clean to Prevent Disease

Keeping a newborn calf's environment clean is essential to prevent diseases and ensure its health and proper growth. Here are some detailed guidelines to maintain hygiene and minimize the risk of disease:

Regular Cleaning and Sanitation:

• Develop a consistent daily cleaning routine for the calf's housing area. Remove all manure, bedding, and feed remnants from the calf pens or hutches.
• Use a combination of water, alkaline foam cleaning (11-13 pH), and acid foam cleaning (3-4 pH) to thoroughly clean the area. Avoid using high-pressure washers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Pay special attention to drainage, especially in hutches. Place hutches on large gravel or rock to facilitate proper drainage under the bedding. Ensure the hutch area slopes slightly away from the structure to direct water away from the calf.
• Disinfect the calf's feeding equipment after each use. Rinse with lukewarm water, then soak in hot water (at least 140°F) containing a chlorinated alkaline detergent (pH 11-12). Scrub vigorously for 1-2 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then again with an acidic solution (pH 2-3). Allow the equipment to air dry completely before the next use.
• Keep the calf's bedding clean and dry. Regularly check and replace soiled bedding to maintain a comfortable and hygienic environment. Ensure the bedding is dry, as pathogens thrive in moist conditions.

Calf Feeding and Watering Practices:

• Clean and disinfect the calf's bottles and nipples before each feeding. Prepare the milk replacer mixture using clean tools and containers to prevent bacterial growth.
• Provide the calf with clean water at all times. Regularly clean and disinfect water buckets or pails to prevent the buildup of pathogens.
• Place water and feed buckets outside the pen to reduce contamination from urine and manure.

Biosecurity Measures:

• Implement a biosecurity program to control and monitor all livestock, equipment, and people entering the calf facility. Seek advice from a veterinarian when planning your disease prevention and treatment program.
• Wash your hands with a sterilizing solution and wear clean clothes and boots when handling calves to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
• Isolate sick calves and feed and handle them last to prevent the spread of illness.
• Use separate feeding equipment for healthy calves and sick animals.
• Routinely evaluate your vaccination program, but do not solely rely on vaccinations to prevent diseases.

Ventilation and Temperature Control:

• Ensure proper ventilation in the calf's housing to remove harmful organisms, odors, and moisture from the environment.
• Maintain an optimal temperature range of 50-85°F for calves. In colder weather, protect calves from drafts and provide additional bedding to keep them warm. In hot weather, ensure adequate airflow and shade to prevent overheating.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a clean environment for your newborn calf, you can significantly reduce the risk of disease and promote its overall health and well-being.

Frequently asked questions